WHAT? Hassan Hajjaj

WHERE? In Focus Display, National Portrait Gallery, St.Martins Place, London WC2H OHE

WHEN? Now until 25th February

WHY GO? To dip into pop culture.  Dubbed the Moroccan Andy Warhol, Hassan Hajjaj’s portraiture brings a smile to sun starved eyes. Through film, textiles and photography, Hassan captures a colourful fusion of Western and Afro-Arab art and has been exhibited worldwide from the V&A in London to the Guggenheim in Abu Dhabi. 

Chosen to headline the In Focus display that sits alongside the annual Taylor Wessing Photo Portrait Prizewinners exhibition, Hassan’s sizzling portraits fill each frame with colour and energy.  And his frames and backdrops are just as creative as his portraits, each is a riot of pattern reflecting his love of North African textiles. 

Hassan’s style is street-stylish with celebrity overtones since he’s much in demand for pop culture portraiture and a favourite with A-listers in the music industry.

Both Cardi B and Billie Eilish have been snapped for Hassan’s Rockstar series but he’s equally happy photographing people that just pique his interest.

This multi-talented contemporary artist (born in 1961) lives between London and Marrakech and is ever determined to shake the cliched image of Morocco as, ‘just caftans and camels ', and this little show most definitely does do just that as it pulsates with energy promoting the exuberance of cross-cultural art.

IN THE KNOW  Love the vibe? Visit Larache in Shoreditch, the artist’s own eclectic shop and a hub of creativity.  This treasure trove (cum souk), is a mash-up of playful objects, stationary and street-wear from cookie jars and postcards to funky designer socks.

Check flexible opening hours!